New considerations in treatment of urinary tract infections in adults

Urinary tract infections remain some of the most common infections observed in community- and hospital-based practices. Although most infections continue to be caused by enteric bacteria, a growing proportion of these infections are caused by pathogens often associated with sexually transmitted diseases, including those of nonbacterial and viral etiologies. Consequently, multiresistant strains have become more prevalent, and the clinician must respond with a rational approach to therapy, based on the selection of an effective and well-tolerated antibiotic. The emergence of the newer antibiotic classes, including the second and third-generation cephalosporins and the fluoroquinolones, has provided the clinician with agents that offer a broad spectrum of activity, good patient acceptance, a well-tolerated safety profile, and convenient dosage regimens due to their unique pharmacokinetic profiles. These drugs may be effective in single- or multiple-dose regimens, depending on the condition being treated, and these should be considered important drugs in the treatment of uncomplicated and complicated adult urinary tract infections.